A Glimpse Into the Bootmaking Process - Hand Lasting Each boot is built around a last. The last determines the toe shape and the size of the boot. The leather is hand formed around the last and pulled to fit perfectly. This step takes an extremely skilled craftsman to make sure that the leather doesn’t tear, is even, and smooth. Once the leather is in place it is nailed to the last and then stitched. Then the boot is ready to begin the process of the outsole and heel placement.